Saint Edward State Park

A 326-acre day-use park with more than a half mile of freshwater shoreline on Lake Washington. Enjoy a hike, contemplative stroll, trail run, mountain bike adventure, or quiet picnic on grounds of a former Catholic seminary.

getting there

driving

From SR-522 in Kenmore, turn south onto 68th Ave NE, and continue 1.8 miles after it becomes Juanita Dr. Turn right onto NE 145th St, staying right at the fork and follow the signs to the park.

From I-405 near Bellevue and Kirkland, take Exit 20A off of I-405, turn left NE 116th St, and drive west 1.4 miles. Continue straight onto Juanita Dr for 3.9 miles. Turn left onto NE 145th St, staying right at the fork and follow the signs to the park.

transit

King Country Metro Route 234 stops near the northeast corner of the park.

about the park

from Washington State Parks

Amidst the sprawling grounds, lapping lakeshore and verdant footpaths, you'll find a place steeped in Northwest history. The large brick building was the first successful Catholic seminary in the Pacific Northwest and the first accredited Catholic seminary university in the United States. Envisioned and financed by Seattle's first bishop, Edward O'Dea, and designed by famed architect John Graham, the remarkable edifice was constructed in 1931 and served students until 1976.

form Craig Romano, Urban Trails Eastside

Saint Edwards State Park contains the largest undeveloped stretch of shoreline on Lake Washington. A former Ctholic seminary, this lovely hilltop and lakeside retreat contains historic Romanesque buildings and more than 9 miles of trails. Hike or run down lush ravines and up forest ed ridges and hillsides. And stroll along more than 3,000 feet of wild Lake Washington shoreline—one of the many blessings this popular park has to offer.

Notes

  • There is no watercraft launch at the park, but paddlers launching from other parts of Lake Washington may land on the beach.

Information for Leaders

scheduling

  • If you are scheduling this as a non-course related activity, please limit your group size to the recommended party size. The maximum party size is for use by course field trips only, and includes both students and instructors. Group size maximums do not reflect how course field trips are run (in smaller groups of students and instructors), but allow for course leaders to register the course in our system.
  • This route/place allow multiple bookings to accommodate morning and afternoon sections of our programs. Please be sure that no activities schedule here overlap.
  • If you are scheduling a course field trip, please contact our Member Services Team to confirm the field trip and any permitting regulations.

permits

  • The Mountaineers has a commercial use permit with Washington State Parks for all free and fee-based outings at state parks. Leaders should carry a print or digital copy of our  commercial use permit to show rangers they may encounter. 
  • Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Trail Running, Urban Adventure, Bikepacking
  • Seasons: Year-round
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
  • Length: 7.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,300 ft
  • 360 ft
Map
14445 Juanita Drive NE Kenmore, WA 98028
  • St. Edward State Park
  • see Land Manager
Activities

Upcoming Activities

Introduction to Trail Running Racing - Saint Edward State Park

Trail Running Field trip: Introduction to Trail Running Racing
Discover Pass Required. Evening hill run at St. Edwards St. Park. Practice running on sustained
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Tue, Mar 28, 2023
No Prerequisites
5 participants
Registration closes Mar 27
Foothills Branch

April GoHike Urban Walk: 2.5 - 5 miles, 250 - 1,000 feet gain (optional) - Saint Edward State Park

Urban Walking Field trip: GoHike: Beginner Hiking Series
Urban Walk through St. Edward Park, on the site of a former seminary. Our 3
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Wed, Apr 12, 2023
No Prerequisites
1 participant 0 instructors
Registration closes Apr 10
Foothills Branch

CHS 1 Hike - Saint Edward State Park

Day Hiking Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
CHS hike led at a CHS 1 pace (1.5-2.0 mph)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Sat, Apr 22, 2023
No Prerequisites
2 participants
Registration closes Apr 20
Seattle Branch

May GoHike Urban Walk: 3 to 5.5 miles, 300 to 1,250 feet gain (optional) - Saint Edward State Park

Day Hiking Field trip: GoHike: Beginner Hiking Series
This hike counts toward your monthly required GoHike course hike for May.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Sun, May 14, 2023
No Prerequisites
10 participants 0 instructors
Registration opens Apr 7; Instructor registration open now
Foothills Branch
Trip Reports
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